The parents of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman, a fourth-grade student at Mountain View Elementary School in Roanoke, are speaking publicly about their grief following their daughter’s sudden death and the events that preceded it.
Autumn’s parents, Mark and Summer Bushman, said they began noticing changes in their daughter’s behavior several weeks before her death. They described a child who was once energetic and joyful becoming increasingly withdrawn.
“She was the youngest and likely the most spirited,” her mother, Summer Bushman, said. “She was a bundle of energy. It didn’t matter if you thought she might crash through my living room floor; she was always doing cartwheels inside our home.”
In the weeks leading up to the tragedy, Autumn was sleeping more than usual, smiling less, and wearing darker clothing, which her parents said was a noticeable shift from her typical personality. Her obituary remembered her as a child with “deep empathy, a soft heart, and always willing to listen or provide support.”
According to her family, Autumn had been experiencing bullying. Her parents said they were aware of the difficulties she faced and had notified the school, but felt meaningful action was not taken.
At school, Autumn was reportedly targeted by peers because she regularly stood up for others and spoke out when she believed something was wrong.
“She was the kind of person who would always stand up for someone being bullied or picked on. Unfortunately, this may have made her a target for even more bullying,” Summer Bushman said.
The bullying extended beyond the classroom. Autumn’s father explained that online harassment played a role as well.
“In this day and age, with tablets and phones, it’s a constant issue. They can’t really get away from it,” he said.
In a statement, Roanoke County Public Schools described Autumn’s death as a “tragic loss” and said the district is focused on supporting her family, friends, and the Mountain View Elementary community.
“While we are unable to discuss the details of this case due to federal privacy regulations and out of respect for the family, we are undertaking a comprehensive review,” the statement said. “Our schools take all reports of bullying and student conflicts very seriously.”
The district added that it remains committed to educating students and responding appropriately when concerns are brought forward, including working with families involved.
In the wake of the tragedy, Autumn’s mother urged parents to remain vigilant and attentive to changes in their children’s behavior.
“Check your child’s cell phone to ensure they are treating other kids with kindness and that others are treating them kindly as well,” she said.
Autumn’s death has left a profound impact on her family and school community, serving as a somber reminder of the serious consequences bullying can have on young lives.